Universal Credit – get ready

What is Universal Credit?Universal Credit will replace the 6 following benefits for working age people:

Housing Benefit

Income Support

Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance

Child Tax Credits

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Working Tax Credits

Universal Credit is already in ‘live service’ in Cheltenham for single claimants; however from December it will move over to ‘full service’ and begin being rolled out to all working age people claiming any of the above benefits.

Anyone claiming Universal Credit up to December in ‘live service’ will have to reclaim under ‘full service.’
Universal Credit will be paid monthly, in arrears, into a bank account:

Personal element = living costs

Housing element = rent costs

If you and your partner both claim Universal Credit you will receive a single monthly payment for the household.

Your first Universal Credit will be paid around six weeks after you make your claim.

Pensioners will not be affected by Universal Credit.

How will Universal Credit affect you?

You will need access to the internet as Universal Credit will have to be claimed online. You will also need to manage your claim (including any change of circumstances) online.

It will be your responsibility to pay your rent

Housing Benefit will no longer be paid directly to CBH but instead your rent will be paid direct to you and you must then pay CBH